Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part A (2024)

Author(s): M Kannan, S Raja, M Palanisamy, V Ramesh, D Gopikrishnan and M Selvaraju

Abstract: Goat farming is integral to India’s agricultural economy, particularly for small and marginal farmers reliant on livestock for sustenance (Abdel-Mageed and Sayed, 2009). The Salem Black goat, an indigenous meat breed prevalent in North-western Tamil Nadu, offers promising potential in genetic improvement through artificial insemination (AI). This study characterizes seminal parameters in Salem Black bucks to establish baseline quality measures, thus enhancing the reproductive efficacy of AI programs. Six mature bucks were selected, and semen was collected over a four-week period using an artificial vagina (AV). Collected semen underwent rigorous evaluation, including macroscopic and microscopic analyses. Results indicated an average semen volume of 1.35 ± 0.160 mL, with most samples exhibiting creamy coloration and high-density grading. Sperm concentration averaged 3499.50 ± 62.0 million/mL, and individual motility was recorded at 85.17±0.87%, viability as 82.83±0.79% with abnormality as 12.17±0.54% aligning with values reported for comparable breeds. The percentage of 30 days post-thaw analysis showed reductions in progressive motility (53.50±0.92), viability (58.50±0.56), morphology (18.33±0.33), and acrosomal integrity (58.67±0.67), underscoring the challenges posed by cryopreservation. Notably, cryopreserved samples showed a marked decrease in functional viability, evidenced by the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) response (58.17±1.10). These findings provide critical insights into the seminal characteristics of Salem Black bucks, establishing a reference point for breeding programs aimed at improving productivity and genetic resilience in this breed.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i6a.1825